Masonry retainer wall system and method

ABSTRACT

A retaining wall, supported by a footer, foundation or conventional retaining wall, includes a plurality of post-tensioning rods anchored in the underlying support and extending through the cells of blocks forming the courses of the retaining wall. An elongated apertured plate or a plurality of individual plates rest upon the next to last course to penetrably receive the threaded ends of each of the rods. Nuts engage the threaded ends of the rods to draw the rods to the plate and place them in tension. The top course rests upon the plate or plates and may be constructed as a bond beam. The rods extending from the support may be located adjacent the said side of the retaining wall and bent away therefrom to penetrate the plate or plates at the lateral midpoint of the plate or plates and thereafter extend essentially vertically upwardly. To add an extended wall supported on the bond beam, couplings may be threadedly engaged with the rod ends. Further rods threadedly engage the couplings and extend upwardly. The courses of the extended wall are penetrably engaged with the further rods. An apertured plate or plates rest upon a course to receive the upper threaded ends of the further rods. Nuts engaging the upper ends of the further rods draw the further rods toward the plate or plates to place the further rods in tension. Additional courses or cap blocks may be placed upon the course supporting the plate or plates in the extended wall.

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of copendingapplication Ser. No. 09/752,166 filed Dec. 29, 2000 entitled “MasonryRetainer Wall System and Method”, which is a continuation-in-part ofcopending application Ser. No. 09/332,084 filed Jun. 14, 1999 entitled“Masonry Retainer Wall System and Method”, all of which describeinventions made by the present inventor.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a masonry wall system and, moreparticularly to a retaining wall having post tensioning elements and anoptional extended wall.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0003] The utilization of masonry fences as retaining walls is wellknown in the prior art. The significant pressures caused by the soilbearing upon the wall surface requires prior art masonry walls toincorporate a significant amount of steel in the form of re-enforcingbars extending through the voids in the masonry block into a footer. Avariety of techniques have been used in the prior art in an attempt tostrengthen the wall and to provide sufficient resistance to the pressurecaused by soil pressing against one side of the wall; these techniquesare usually complicated and always expensive. Some prior art techniqueshave incorporated post-tensioning wherein courses of block have beencompressed with respect to each other and the compressed courses arethen secured in some manner to a foundation. These latter techniquesusually require expensive installation provisions for appropriatelysupporting the compressed courses on the designated footer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention incorporates a masonry retaining wallstructure that utilizes a footer, foundation or conventional retainingwall for supporting a retaining wall's first course of masonry block.Post-tensioning rods are imbedded in the footer concrete. Thepost-tensioning rods extend upwardly essentially vertically from thefooter. A plurality of courses of masonry block are then placed on thefooter with the respective post-tensioning rods extending through thecells therein. The post-tensioning rods extend upwardly beyond the nextto the top course of the masonry block. An elongated clamping plateextends across the cells of the masonry blocks in the next to the topcourse of blocks. The plate has a plurality of openings therein topermit the passage of the ends of a respective post-tensioning rods. Theend of each of the post-tensioning rods is threaded to accept a nutwhich is placed on the rod and threaded to engage the clamping plate.Predetermined tension is placed on the respective post-tensioning rods.A top course of masonry blocks may be placed on the plate with the cellstherein receiving the threaded rod ends engaging the nuts and beingfilled with grout. Horizontally aligned rebar(s) may be placed in thetop course to tie in the masonry blocks with one another and form a bondbeam having its top surface in general alignment with the grade of thesaid being retained. To build thereon an extended wall, a threadedcoupling is attached to one or more of the threaded rod ends. Thethreaded ends of further post-tensioning rods are threadedly engagedwith respective couplings to extend upwardly through the top coursesubsequently formed as a bond beam and into the extended wall supportedupon the retaining wall. The upper ends of these further post-tensioningrods are secured to a plate resting on a course and a nut draws theserods toward such plate to place them in tension.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a masonryretaining wall system that may be constructed relatively inexpensivelyand nevertheless provides sufficient strength to resist the forces ofthe soil pressing against one side thereof.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a retainingwall system wherein a very high strength wall retains the soil andprovides a base upon which a less expensive upwardly extended wall maybe supported.

[0007] Still another object of the present invention is to provide aretaining wall system that can be inexpensively constructed to provideall of the advantages of a conventional retaining wall system and toprovide an economical retaining wall for supporting a fence extendingbeyond the grade level of the soil being retained by the retaining wall.

[0008] Yet another object of the present invention to provide aretaining wall system incorporating post-tensioning to compress thecourses of block within the retaining wall against a footer, afoundation or a conventionally constructed retaining wall and provide asignificant cost reduction in the construction of the complete retainingwall.

[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide forpost-tensioning of an upwardly extended wall supported upon a retainingwall incorporating post-tensioning to exert compression forces betweenthe upwardly extending wall and the retaining wall.

[0010] A still further object of the present invention is to providepost-tensioning intermediate a footer (or foundation or conventionalretaining wall) an intermediate retaining wall and an extended wallextending upwardly from the intermediate retaining wall.

[0011] A yet further object of the present invention is to provide amethod for post-tensioning a retaining wall.

[0012] A yet further object of the present invention is to provide amethod for post-tensioning an extended wall supported by an intermediateretaining wall with a conventional footer, foundation or retaining wall.

[0013] The objects will become apparent to those skilled in the art asthe description of the invention proceeds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The present invention will be described with greater specificityand clarity with reference to the following figures, in which:

[0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a retaining wall system;

[0016]FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a retaining wall and showing anupwardly extending masonry fence extending above the upper grade of theretaining wall system;

[0017]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the end of a post-tensioning rodshowing the upset end of the rod and a flange member positioned at theend of the rod before the rod is imbedded in the concrete;

[0018]FIG. 3a is a perspective view of an end of a post-tensioning rodshowing a threaded end engaged by a nut and illustrates a variant of therod end shown in FIG. 3;

[0019]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a retaining wallsystem and including an extension wall formed as part of the wallsystem;

[0020]FIG. 5 is a foreshortened vertical sectional view of a soilretaining wall;

[0021]FIG. 6 is a foreshortened vertical sectional view of a soilretaining wall having a masonry fence erected thereon;

[0022]FIG. 7 illustrates a variant of the retaining wall shown in FIG.1;

[0023]FIG. 8 illustrates the variant shown in FIG. 7 with an extendedwall mounted thereupon;

[0024]FIG. 9 illustrates tensioning rods extending from the retainingwall into an extended wall;

[0025]FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a coupling attachedto a threaded end of a tensioning rod;

[0026]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 10-10, asshown in FIG. 9;

[0027]FIG. 11 is a partial view showing a variant of the retaining andextended walls shown in FIGS. 9 and 10;

[0028]FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a variant of theretaining and extended walls shown in FIG. 9;

[0029]FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a tension rodextending through a retaining wall and into a supported extended wall;

[0030]FIG. 14 illustrates a retaining wall and extended wall constructedin accordance with the present invention and supported upon any ofconventional footings, foundations or retaining walls; and

[0031]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the retaining andextended wall embodying the present invention supported upon aconventional retaining wall that may include a footer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032]FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 3 a, illustrate a retaining wall system having amasonry block retaining wall 10 for retaining soil extending below anupper or surface grade level 12 behind the retaining wall. A footer 15is poured below a lower grade level 17 of the soil, which footerprovides the support for the retaining wall. Lower course 18 of theretaining wall is placed on footer 15 and post-tensioning rods 20 areimbedded in the footer concrete while the latter is plastic. Thepost-tensioning rods are spaced at predetermined horizontal intervals toregister with the voids or cells in the masonry block and extendvertically upwardly terminating in respective threaded ends 21.

[0033] Lower portion 25 of each of the post-tensioning rods is placed ata right angle as shown and is also provided with an upset end 26 thatmay be formed by peening either at a factory or at the job site. Each ofthe post-tensioning rods 25 is provided with a flange member 27 adjacentthe end of the rod that may take the form of a large washer, as shown,and may also be secured to the rod, such as by welding. The combinationof the peening or upsetting of end 26 of the post-tensioning rod andflange member 27 provide an extremely high “pull out” strength.Alternatively, the end of rod 20 may have a threaded end 23 and athreadedly engaged nut 24. When the tension on a straight post-tensionrod is very high, it is entirely possible to literally pull the rod outfrom the footer even though the footer concrete is set. Upset end 26 andflange member 27 or nut 24 provided on each imbedded end ofpost-tensioning rods 20 provide an appropriate anchoring system toprevent the post-tensioning rod from being withdrawn even if substantialtension is applied thereto. It is also possible to use other than aright angle or 90 degree bend in the embedded portion of thepost-tensioning rods. In some circumstances, the flange member may bemounted at the end of a straight rod with or without an increase indiameter to provide sufficient “pull out” strength to eliminate thenecessity of providing a bend in the rod.

[0034] Post-tensioning rods 20 extend upwardly through voids or cells insuccessive courses of masonry block and terminate in threaded ends 21.It may be noted that the successive courses of block in the retainingwall are arranged in overlapping or staggered configuration with respectto preceding courses of block. To facilitate the transfer of compressiveforces exerted on the retaining wall by the post-tensioning rods, theblocks of successive courses are staggered so that they overlap withcourses immediately therebelow to transfer the compressive force fromone course to the other. The spacing between adjacent verticallyextending post-tensioning rods will depend on the strength necessary forthe retaining wall to retain the soil pushing against one side thereof.Further, it may be possible to increase the lateral width of theindividual masonry blocks to resist tipping or bending forces applied tothe wall.

[0035] Each of the vertically extending post-tensioning rods extendsthrough a corresponding hole in a clamping plate 29 that bridges the gapbetween the opposing walls 30 and 31 of the respective masonry block inthe top course of the retaining wall. The hole provided in therespective clamping plates permits the individual post-tensioning rodsto extend therethrough and to accept a tightening nut 33 thereon. Therespective nuts are then tightened to a predetermined post-tensioningrod tensile value to provide substantial compressive force to create aretaining wall of substantial strength at substantially less cost than aretaining wall of identical strength but constructed in accordance withprior art techniques.

[0036] A course of cap blocks 40 may be placed over the upper mostcourse of the retaining wall to protect the exposed ends of thepost-tensioning rods as well as the plates and nuts. Soil is then placedagainst the chosen side of the retaining wall up to the retained soilgrade level 12.

[0037] The upper most course 45 of the retaining wall (excluding the topcourse of cap blocks) can also form the basis for an extension wall 50that extends above the upper grade level of the soil retained by theretaining wall. Extension wall 50 may be formed using conventionaltechniques such as by extending reinforcing bar through the voids in theretaining wall into the footer and filling those voids in the retainingwall and the extension wall with mortar; alternatively, the extensionwall can be supported using post-tensioning techniques in accordancewith the teachings set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,726,567. Further, avariety of prior art masonry wall techniques may be used for theextension wall including the use of interlocking or tongue andgroove-type masonry blocks. It is also possible to construct theextension wall using masonry pillars with conventional wooden or ironslats extending between the respective pillars.

[0038] The method shown in FIGS. 1-4 incorporates the formation of afooter below a first grade with the upper surface of the footer at orslightly below that grade. A plurality of post-tensioning rods arepositioned in the footer while the footer is still in a plasticcondition, and extending each of the post-tensioning rods vertically. Aplurality of courses of masonry block are then placed on the footer withthe respective post-tensioning rods extending through voids or cells inthe individual blocks. When the final course of the retaining wall iscompleted, a plurality of clamping plates are placed over the ends ofthe post-tensioning rods with the rods extending through holes providedin the respective plates and are positioned to bridge the void or cellin the respective masonry block extending from the front to the rearsurface thereof. A nut is threaded on the threaded end of thepost-tensioning rod and the rod is tensioned to provide a predeterminedforce on the retaining wall. A cap course is placed on the upper mostcourse of the retaining wall to provide a means for protecting andcovering the exposed ends of the vertically extending tensioning rodsand plates. The cap course may be applied in a conventional manner withmortar using prior art techniques. Soil is then placed behind theretaining wall up to the desired upper level grade of the system.

[0039] An extension wall, or fence, may be constructed by extendingselected vertically extending tension rods upwardly through voids orcells in the masonry block forming the extension wall. Clamping platesand nuts are positioned over the threaded ends of the post-tensioningrod and the rod tensioned to a predetermined value. It is important tonote that only selected ones of the vertically extending post-tensioningrods are used to provide the necessary tensioning force for theextension wall since the latter is not called upon to withstand theforces exerted by soil abutting a surface of the retaining wall. Thus,depending on the necessary strength of the retaining wall, every thirdor every fourth post-tensioning rod in the retaining wall may extendupwardly into the voids of the masonry block forming the extension wall.In another embodiment, the method includes the formation of an extensionwall using rebar extending through the voids of the retaining wallupwardly through the voids of the extension wall and anchoring the rebarin a conventional manner in the footer as well as locking the rebar tothe extension wall using known prior art techniques such as grouting.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 4, a retaining wall system incorporating anextension wall is shown. Retaining wall 60 is formed in a mannerpreviously described including the utilization of a plurality ofpost-tensioning rods 62, each of which extends vertically and isprovided with a respective clamping plate 63 and a nut on the threadedend of the rod to provide the required tension. An extension wall 67 isthen constructed beginning at second grade level 68 and extendingupwardly to a desired height. Extension wall 67 may be formed of masonryblock having less width than the retaining wall since less strength isrequired. In the embodiment chosen for illustration in FIG. 4, selectedpost-tensioning rods 70 extend upwardly from footer 72 through voids inthe masonry block forming retaining wall 60 and through voids in themasonry block forming extension wall 67. In a manner similar to thatdescribed previously, these selected vertically extendingpost-tensioning rods are provided with plates 75 and corresponding nuts76 that are used to provide the appropriate post-tensioning tensionwithin the respective post-tensioning rods. It may be noted that onlyselected post-tensioning rods extend upwardly into the extension wall.The necessary strength of the retaining wall 60 requires a predeterminednumber of vertically extending post-tensioning rods to provide thenecessary strength for the retaining wall to resist the forces exertedby the soil extending upwardly to second grade level 68. Extension wall67 is not required to withstand the force of any soil abutting against asurface thereof; therefore, only selected ones of the post-tensioningrods need to be extended through the voids in the extension wall.

[0041] Alternatively, vertically extending post-tensioning rods 70 maybe selected to be different than those rods used for post-tensioning ofthe retaining wall. That is, the post-tensioning rods for extension wall67 can be anchored through the use of anchoring plates positionedbetween courses within retaining wall 60 and extending upwardly to aclamping plate positioned at the top of the extension wall. Thus, thelatter configuration would have a plurality of vertically extendingpost-tensioning rods extending from the footer upwardly to platespositioned at the top course of the retaining wall; however,substantially fewer post-tensioning rods would be anchored in the topcourse of the retaining wall and extend upwardly to the top course ofthe extension wall. In this manner, the extension wall is provided withthe requisite strength which, however, is significantly lower than thestrength required of the retaining wall. The utilization of the selectedextended post-tensioning rods to secure the extension wall above theretaining wall avoids the necessity of securing rods separately for theextension wall extending downwardly into the foundation. It also avoidsthe expensive alternative of creating a bond beam in the top courses ofthe retaining wall to provide a means for attaching the tension rods forthe fence on top of the retaining wall below. The masonry blocks used inthe retaining wall could be interlocking with a mortarless head joint.The mortar on the bed joints could be left off as well under certaincircumstances. One of the purposes of the bed joint mortar is levelingof the courses; if leveling is not required, or if the block dimensionsare so precise that they are self leveling or if some other levelingmethod is used, then bed joint mortar may be left off. Bed joint or headjoint mortar is not required for strength since that is supplied by thepost-tensioning.

[0042]FIG. 5 illustrates another modification of the soil retainingsystem. This system, indicated generally by reference numeral 80comprises a footer 15. Lower course 18 of the retaining wall is placedon the footer while the lower ends of post-tensioning rods 20 areembedded in footer 15 when the latter is plastic. Unlike the previouslydescribed embodiments, however, rods 20 are not centered in blocks 18but are offset to be closer to the side of the wall contacted by soil82. With this configuration, when nuts 33 are tightened on theirrespective clamping plates 29 the compressive forces are transmittedmore directly to the side of the wall contacted by soil 82 and whichside must resist the persistent static loads and intermittent lateralloads on the wall. The intermittent loads may be caused by heavyvehicles running over the soil nearby.

[0043] A significant advantage of the hollow block post tensionedstructure is that it offers very little opportunity for ground waterseeping into the structure to exit the opposite side and produceefflorescence. Consequently little if any waterproofing need be appliedto the soil side of the structure, thereby reducing the cost ofconstruction. It is, however, likely that some moisture may enter theinterior of the structure and puddle in the interior of lower course ofblocks 18. To preclude this moisture from having a deleterious effect onpost-tensioning rods 20, a lower region of the rods immediately abovefooter 15 is preferably coated, or wrapped, or embedded in a waterproofcovering 83.

[0044]FIG. 6 illustrates the manner in which an extension fence, orwall, 85 can be mounted on top of system 80 shown in FIG. 5. Becausefence 85 can be subjected to intermittent lateral loads, or forces, fromeither side it is desirable that post-tensional rods 20 extend upthrough the central regions of the courses of fence blocks 86. Toachieve this result, fence blocks 86 are preferably of less width thanthe blocks in system 80 therebeneath. Thus, when nuts 76 are tightenedon plates 75, the fence structure is compressed evenly to resist loadsfrom either side.

[0045] The one disadvantage of employing narrower blocks 86 in fence 85is that this leaves exposed to the elements of weather portions ofplates 21 in the structure below. To remedy this condition the exposedregions of plates 21 are provided with a weather-proof coating orcovering 87.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 7, there is illustrated a post-tensioning wallsimilar to that shown in FIG. 1 except for the differences set forthbelow. An elongated plate 100 rests upon course 45 to cover the voids orcells in the blocks of this course. A plurality of apertures aredisposed in the plate to permit penetrable engagement by threaded ends21 of each of rods 20 extending upwardly from footer 15. By tighteningeach of nuts 33 a predetermined amount, each of rods 20 will be undertension to compress the retaining wall. It is to be understood thatinstead of an elongated plate 100 for penetrably engaging the upper endsof rods 20, a plurality of apertured plates may be used with each platepenetrably receiving the upper end(s) of one or more of the rods; forinstance, such as plates 29 shown in FIG. 1. Accordingly, when plate 100is hereafter discussed, this term is to be construed as defining anelongated plate or a plurality of plates for penetrably receivingcorresponding rods. A top course 102 is mounted on plate 100. Blocks 104of this course are positioned to receive threaded ends 21 of rods 20within corresponding ones of cells 106. One or more rebars 108 mayextend through notches in blocks 104 (which may be knock out blocks) ofcourse 102 to structurally and functionally mate the blocks with oneanother. Grout 110 is deposited in each of cells 106 to mechanically andchemically engage respective ones of rebars 108, plate 100 and each ofthreaded ends 21 along with respective nuts 33. Thereby, course 102becomes a bond beam. When a plurality of plates spaced apart from oneanother are used, bond beam paper or similar shield can be used toprevent grout from dropping through cells 106 of blocks 104. The use ofgrout has the further advantage of covering nuts 33 to prevent tamperingand possible compromise of the effectiveness of the post-tensioningrods. It may be noted that the level of top course 102 is essentiallyeven with grade level 112 of the adjacent soil.

[0047]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of retaining wall 98, as shown inFIG. 7. An extended wall 120 may be built upon top course 102 with orwithout any internal reenforcements. It may be noted that the flatsurface of top course 102 provided by grout 110 will permit extendedwall 120 to be centered, as shown, or located laterally therefrom closeto or in alignment with a corresponding side of retaining wall 98.

[0048]FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a retaining wall 98 similar to thatshown and described with respect to FIG. 7. Accordingly, commonreference numerals will be employed. An extended wall 122 extendsupwardly from the top surface of course 102. In building the retainingwall and the extended wall, rods 20 are placed in tension by nuts 33bearing against plate 100. Thereafter, threaded couplings are placed inthreaded engagement with threaded ends 21. Each of further rods 126include a threaded end 128 for threaded engagement with a respectivecoupling 124, as shown in FIG. 9A. In the alternative, or commensuratewith rods 20, as illustrated, extended rods 130 may be anchored infooter 15 and extend upwardly through corresponding apertures in plate100 into what will become extended wall 122. After rods 126 are inplace, grout is poured into the cells in the blocks forming course 102to encapsulate threaded ends 21, couplings 124 and the extent to whichrods 126 extended into course 102. If used, rods 130 disposed withincourse 102 will also be encircled with grout. Thereafter, extended wall122 will be built one course at a time. After a predetermined number ofcourses, apertured plates 132 are placed in penetrable engagement withthreaded end 134 of each of rods 126. A nut 136 engages each of threadedends 134 to draw the respective plate 132 against the top of thecorresponding course to place each of rods 126 under tension. If rods130 are used, an apertured plate 140 is penetrably mounted upon threadedend 142 of each of rods 130. A nut 144 will draw plate 140 against thetop of the corresponding course. Thereby, each of rods 130 is placed intension. From the above description it will become apparent that each ofcombined rods 20/126 and rods 130 are anchored in footer 15 and will bein tension to compress extended wall 122 against compressed retainingwall 98. As shown in FIG. 10, if retaining wall 122 does not extend forthe full length of retaining wall 98, rods 20 would terminate withincourse 102, like the retaining wall shown in FIG. 7. It is to be notedthat plates 132 and/or plates 140 may extend sufficiently to penetrablyreceive more than one rod; in fact, a single elongated plate (like plate100) may be positioned between courses of the extended wall to serve thefunction of either or both of plates 132 and 140.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 11, there is shown a retaining wall 98 likethat shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Furthermore, a number of rods 20 areshown, some of which may include a coupling to engage a correspondingrod 126. The main difference between the structure shown in FIG. 11 andthat shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is directed to the use of not onlypost-tensioning members in the extended wall but rebar reinforcements.That is, one or more horizontal rebars 140 may be built into the coursesof extended wall 122. Similarly, one or more vertical rebars 142 may bebuilt into the extended wall. With such reinforcements, in combinationwith post-tensioning, extended wall 122 will become extremely robust towithstand anticipated forces that may act thereon.

[0050]FIG. 12 illustrates a variant 150 of the structure shown anddescribed with respect to FIG. 6. Accordingly, common reference numeralswill be used. A rod 20 is anchored into footer 15 and extends upwardlyfrom the footer at an angle to place the upper end at the approximatecenter between the lateral sides of retaining wall 98. Plate 100 restsupon top course 45 and includes an aperture 152 corresponding with eachof rods 20 to penetrably receive threaded end 21 of a rod. A nut 33engages the threaded end and, upon tightening the nut, will place rod 20in tension. As illustrated, rod 20 may include a covering 83, asdescribed above. An extended wall 154 is built upon and essentiallycentered along the course upon which plate 100 rests. A further rod 126is secured to threaded end 21 by engaging its threaded end 128 with acoupling 124 threadedly interconnecting both threaded ends. After orbefore attachment of rods 126, the parts of rods 20 extending aboveplate 100 may be bent to essentially a vertical orientation. Anapertured plate, such as plate 132 (or a plurality of plates), extendsacross course 156 to penetrably receive threaded end 134 of rod 126. Anut, such as nut 136, is in threaded engagement with the threaded endand bears against plate 132 to place rod 126 in tension. Accordingly,nut 33 bearing against plate 100 will place retaining wall 98 incompression. Nut 136 bearing against plate 132 will place extended wall154 in compression. Cap blocks 158 provide a protective cover toplate(s) 132, threaded ends 134 and nuts 136. To protect the exposedupper part of plate 100, a covering or coating 87, as described above,may be located on the plate extending laterally of extended wall 154.

[0051]FIG. 13 illustrates a variant 170 similar to variant 150 shown inFIG. 12 except that retaining wall 98 is constructed in accordance withthe retaining wall 98 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Footer 15 supports aplurality of courses, such as courses 45 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Thetop most one of these courses supports plate 100. A rod 20, bent asshown and described in FIG. 12, includes a threaded end 21 extendingthrough an aperture in plate 100 and is secured to the plate by a nut33. A rod 172 includes a lower threaded end 174 and an upper threadedend 176. A coupling 178 interconnects threaded end 21 with threaded end174. Course 102 includes one or more rebars 108 extending therethroughand is filled with grout to form a bond beam. An extended wall 154,similar to that described with respect to FIG. 12, is built upon the topof course 102. As described above, extended wall 154 includes rods 126,plate(s) 132, nuts 136 and threaded ends 134 along with threaded ends128 and couplings 124. Cap blocks 158 may be used to protect and enclosethe upper end of the extended wall.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 14, there is illustrated a retaining wall 98,as described above. This retaining wall may support an extended wall,such as wall 122. Support for the retaining wall is provided by afoundation 184 of conventional construction and intended to supportsignificant weight or encompass height generally greater than aconventional footer. To provide the requisite supporting capability, aplurality of longitudinally oriented rebars 186 may be imbedded in thefoundation. For further strength, a plurality of laterally orientedrebars 188 may be disposed within the foundation. As noted, a pluralityof rods 20 may be anchored in the foundation to provide post-tensioningof the retaining wall. These rods may have attached further rods 126extending into extended wall 122, as described above. With a foundationof this type, the retaining wall may be of significant height and havesufficient strength to withstand the forces imposed by the soil disposedbelow grade level 112.

[0053]FIG. 15 is similar to the construction illustrated in FIG. 14except that extended wall 122 and retaining wall 98 may be mounted uponand supported by a conventionally constructed retaining wall 190. Suchretaining wall may take any number of configurations, as is well known.One such configuration may include a plurality of rods 192 anchored inretaining wall 190 and extending to and embedded within an anchor 194buried in the soil below grade level 112. It is to be appreciated thatconventional retaining wall 190 may be tapered, whether planar orstepped. A plurality of rebars 186 may be disposed longitudinally withinone or more sections of conventional retaining wall 190; these rebarsmay be interlaced with further rebars extending laterally.

[0054] The present invention has been described in terms of selectedspecific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate theunderstanding of the principles of construction and operation of theinvention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and detailsthereof are not intended to limit the scope of the claims appendedhereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatmodifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A retaining wall for retaining a body of soil,said retaining wall comprising in combination: a) a footer positioned ator below the lower grade level of the soil; b) a plurality of verticallyextending post-tensioning rods having one end of each of said rodsanchored in said footer and threads disposed about the other end; c) aplurality of courses of masonry blocks having cells therein forpenetrably receiving the respective vertically extending post-tensioningrods; d) at least one clamping plate disposed along the top of thecourse next to the top course, at least some of said plates including atleast one aperture, each of said apertures receiving a corresponding oneof said vertically extending post-tensioning rods to extendtherethrough; e) a plurality of nuts, each of said nuts being threadedon said threaded end of one of said post-tensioning rods to apply forceto said clamping plate and to post-tension said rods; and f) a topcourse of masonry blocks having cells for receiving respective ones ofsaid threaded ends and attached ones of said nuts and including groutdisposed within each of the cells to envelope said threaded ends andnuts and to fill said cells, whereby the top surface of the top courseis essentially planar.
 2. The retaining wall as set forth in claim 1further including an extended wall extending vertically from said topcourse.
 3. The retaining wall as set forth in claim 1 further includinga water-proof covering on the regions of said post-tensioning rodsimmediately above said footer.
 4. The retaining wall as set forth inclaim 2 including: a) a threaded coupling threadedly engaging saidthreaded end of selected ones of said post-tensioning rods; b) a furtherpost tensioning rod in threaded engagement with each of said couplingsand having a threaded end extending into said extended wall; c) a plateresting upon a course of said extended wall for penetrably receivingsaid threaded end of a respective one of said further post-tensioningrods; and d) a nut for engaging said threaded end of said furtherpost-tensioning rod to draw said further post-tensioning rod toward saidplate and place said further post-tensioning rod in tension.
 5. Theretaining wall as set forth in claim 4 wherein said extended wallincludes: a) a plurality of courses of masonry fence blocks having cellssurrounding said further post-tensioning rods; and b) said fence blocksbeing narrower than the blocks of said retaining wall and being centeredon said further post-tensioning rods.
 6. A retaining wall for retainingsoil on one side thereof, said retaining wall comprising in combination:a) a support for said retaining wall; b) a plurality of courses ofblocks having open cells extending vertically therethrough; c) aplurality of rods having one end anchored in said support and extendingupwardly through the cells in the blocks of said courses; d) at leastone apertured plate disposed along the top of one of said plurality ofcourses for penetrably receiving one or more of said threaded ends ofsaid rods; e) a plurality of nuts for threadedly engaging said threadedends of said rods to draw said rods toward said plate and place saidrods in tension; and f) a bond beam supported by said plate forencapsulating said threaded ends of said rod and said nuts.
 7. Theretaining wall as set forth in claim 6 wherein said support comprises afooter.
 8. The retaining wall as set forth in claim 6 wherein saidsupport comprises a foundation.
 9. The retaining wall as set forth inclaim 6 wherein said support comprises a conventionally constructedretaining wall.
 10. The retaining wall as set forth in claim 9 whereinsaid conventionally constructed retaining wall is stepped.
 11. Theretaining wall as set forth in claim 6 including: a) a threaded couplingthreadedly attached to each of said threaded ends of said rods; b) aplurality of further rods, each of said further rods having upper andlower threaded ends, said lower threaded end of each of said furtherrods being threadedly engaged with one of said couplings; c) a pluralityof further courses laid on said bond beam to penetrably receive saidfurther rods and defining an extended wall; d) at least one aperturedfurther plate resting upon one of said further courses to receive atleast one of said upper ends of said further rods; and e) a plurality offurther nuts, each of said further nuts being in threaded engagementwith one of said upper ends of said further rods to draw said furtherrod toward said at least one plate and place said further rod in tensionwithin said extended wall.
 12. The retaining wall as set forth in claim6 wherein at least one of said rods is anchored in said support closerto one lateral side of said retainer wall than to the other side of saidretaining wall.
 13. The retaining wall as set forth in claim 12 whereineach of said rods being anchored in said support closer to one side ofsaid retaining wall than to the other side of said retaining wall isbent to locate the upper end of said rod in proximity to said plateessentially centered between the lateral sides of said retaining wall.14. The retaining wall as set forth in claim 13 including: a) a threadedcoupling threadedly attached to each of said threaded ends of said rods;b) a plurality of further rods, each of said further rods having upperand lower threaded ends, said lower threaded end of each of said furtherrods being threadedly engaged with one of said couplings; c) a pluralityof further courses laid on said bond beam to penetrably receive saidfurther rods and defining an extended wall; d) at least one aperturedfurther plate resting upon one of said further courses for receiving atleast one of said upper ends of said further rods; and e) a plurality offurther nuts, each of said further nuts being in threaded engagementwith one of said upper ends of said further rods to draw said furtherrod toward said at least one plate and place said further rod in tensionwithin said extended wall.
 15. The retaining wall as set forth in claim13 wherein the course of said retaining wall resting upon said plate isa bond beam.
 16. The retaining wall as set forth in claim 15 including:a) a threaded coupling threadedly attached to each of said threaded endsof said rods; b) a plurality of further rods, each of said further rodshaving upper and lower threaded ends, said lower threaded end of each ofsaid further rods being threadedly engaged with one of said couplings;c) a plurality of further courses laid on said bond beam to penetrablyreceive said further rods and defining an extended wall; d) at least oneapertured further plate resting upon one of said further courses forreceiving at least one of said upper ends of said further rods; and e) aplurality of further nuts, each of said further nuts being in threadedengagement with one of said upper ends of said further rods to draw saidfurther rod toward said at least one plate and place said further rod intension within said extended wall.
 17. The retaining wall as set forthin claim 11 including additional rods anchored in said support andextending upwardly through said retaining wall, through one or more ofsaid plates and into said extended wall, at least one yet furtherapertured plate disposed in said extended wall for penetrably receivingthe upper end of at least one of said additional rods, each of saidupper ends of said additional rods being threaded to threadedly receivea nut to draw said additional rod toward said yet further aperturedplate and place said additional rod in tension.
 18. A method forconstructing a retaining wall to hold a body of soil having an uppergrade level at its surface at its upper end and a lower grade levelbeneath the surface, said method comprising the steps of: a) forming asupport at or below the lower grade level; b) positioning each of aplurality of post-tensioning rods vertically at predetermined horizontalintervals extending into the support when the latter is in plastic form;c) forming a plurality of courses of masonry blocks with the open cellsin each block penetrably receiving the respective vertically extendingpost-tensioning rods; d) placing at least one apertured clamping plateon top of the last course of block of open cells to penetrably receivethe vertically extending post-tensioning rods; e) placing each of aplurality of nuts on a different threaded end of a post-tensioning rodand tightening the nuts to draw the post-tensioning rods toward theplate and to provide a predetermined tension in each post-tensioningrod; and f) forming a bond beam on top of the plate to encapsulate theends of the post-tensioning rods and the nuts.
 19. The method as setforth in claim 18 further comprising the step of constructing anextended wall on the bond beam.
 20. The method as set forth in claim 19including the steps of: a) adding a threaded coupling to each threadedend of the post-tensioning rods above the nuts; b) threadedly engagingan upwardly extending further rod to each coupling for penetrableengagement with the blocks of the extended wall; c) said step of addingand said step of threadedly engaging being carried out prior tocompletion of said step of forming the bond beam; d) penetrably engagingthe upper threaded end of the further rods with at least one plateresting upon a course of the extended wall; and e) drawing each of thefurther rods toward the at least one plate by tightening a nut inthreaded engagement with each upper end of the further rods to place thefurther rods in tension.
 21. The method as set forth in claim 18 whereinsaid step of forming includes the forming of a conventional footer. 22.The method as set forth in claim 18 wherein said step of formingincludes the step of forming a conventional foundation.
 23. The methodas set forth in claim 18 wherein said step of forming includes the stepof forming a conventional retaining wall.
 24. The retaining wall as setforth in claim 1 wherein said one end includes a threaded section and anut threadedly engaging said threaded section.
 25. The retaining wall asset forth in claim 6 wherein said one end includes a threaded sectionand a nut threadedly engaging said threaded section.
 26. The method asset forth in claim 18 including the step of threadedly engaging a nutwith the end of the rod extending into the support.